Wednesday, March 24, 2010
GPG
Today was my last GPG rotation and it was the best one I have had. I actually got to do hygiene related stuff! I did a whole AP and the dental student actually assisted me with suctioning when I used the cavitron. I enjoyed it because I got to focus on the patient and not worry about comps so much. I got to practice with the cavitron and now I can attempt that comp as soon as I get a patient that qualifies. The patient didn't have too many teeth but it was nice to see the difference in the plaque reduction. The faculty over at GPG said I did a good job and I also pointed out two leisons that I found in my IOE. The patient had nicotine stomatitis and had inflamed mucous glands on the palate. He also had a white leison on his buccal mucosa that I was surprised I had to point out to the dental student. She did a filling right next to it and I was staring at it the whole time. The faculty was happy that I was noticing things like that. I guess it all goes with the extensive training we all got on EOE/IOE.
Friday, March 19, 2010
day in nursing home
On March 16, 2010 I spent 2 hours at Morning Side assisted living facility providing oral health education. The population at this facility consists of the elderly approximately 60+ years old. Culturally there were elderly Caucasians, African-Americans, and one Mexican woman; an equal ratio of men to women. The purpose of the project was to educate people on the importance of oral health, and to teach people that oral health factors in to overall well being. I also educated them on the proper method for brushing, flossing, and denture care. I prepared for this experience by reviewing all of my information regarding denture care; and my clinical and course hours and MCV prepared me.
The residents were very interested in learning about dental health. They asked several questions, and shared their experiences regarding their own dental health. This was a rewarding experience, I did not find it challenging. The best experience was providing teaching to people that were truly interested. I could tell that the residents truly enjoyed us spending time with them, as they were very eager to participate in conversation.
This service was important to these people, because they wanted to learn. Sometimes, it seems that the elderly are forgotten about. They still have the ability to learn, and should be given opportunities. This experience was applicable to all of my dental studies. I was an educator during this experience, and I also taught people proper techniques for maintaining optimal oral health. This experience was very rewarding. I understand I have a duty to provide care to people of all ages, and this gave me an opportunity to talk with the elderly population; to better understand their specific concerns.
The residents were very interested in learning about dental health. They asked several questions, and shared their experiences regarding their own dental health. This was a rewarding experience, I did not find it challenging. The best experience was providing teaching to people that were truly interested. I could tell that the residents truly enjoyed us spending time with them, as they were very eager to participate in conversation.
This service was important to these people, because they wanted to learn. Sometimes, it seems that the elderly are forgotten about. They still have the ability to learn, and should be given opportunities. This experience was applicable to all of my dental studies. I was an educator during this experience, and I also taught people proper techniques for maintaining optimal oral health. This experience was very rewarding. I understand I have a duty to provide care to people of all ages, and this gave me an opportunity to talk with the elderly population; to better understand their specific concerns.
MOM s' project
On March 13, 2010 I worked with the Mission of Mercy Organization for 9 hours providing dental care. The Mission of Mercy is composed of Dentists, Dental Hygienists, dental students, and dental hygiene students that provide free dental services to the public. The organization provided help to a variety of age groups, approximately ages 30-60 years old; and ethnic groups such as: Caucasians, African- Americans, Hispanics, Asians,and Arabs . Care was given to individuals that have not been able to access a dentist, on a routine basis.
The purpose of the MOM project was to provide free dental care to those in need, and to educate patients regarding dental health. The patients had a variety of dental complaints, and they all were in need of teeth cleaning. My role as a dental hygiene student was to provide adequate teeth cleaning, to remove calculus, and provide instructions on gaining and maintaining a healthy oral cavity.
My preparation for this experience was all of my clinical hours at MCV, and time studying dental health. I had limited time to spend with each client, approximately 20 minutes. I had to provide my best care in a very limited amount of time. Initially, I found this to be very challenging, with my first 2 patients; however, as the day progressed it became easier and I became more comfortable. I am satisfied with the care that I provided, and I can't think of anything that I would change. This day encompassed all that I have been studying in school from my instrument techniques, to patient education.
The worst experience of the day was caring for an elderly lady that had severe pruxisim, and erosion. She was experiencing hypersensitivity, to treat this I provided her with topical anesthesia. I provided her information on purchasing a “mouth guard” to wear nightly to prevent her from grinding her teeth. I taught her to avoid acidic beverages and foods, to decrease erosion.
This was a phenomenal learning experience for me. I consider this to be the most rewarding event of my dental hygiene education so far. I felt incredibly rewarded, by donating my time and service to people in need. Providing education, to people in desperate need of it, made me believe that it is possible for one person to make a change in the lives of many. I had no idea that I would feel this satisfied in my ability to help others. I know that I have grown a lot professionally, due to this experience. My role as a future Dental Hygienist is far bigger than simply cleaning teeth. My role as an educator is substantial to the people I care for. I look forward to more experiences like the MOM project. I recommend this experience to every classmate.
The purpose of the MOM project was to provide free dental care to those in need, and to educate patients regarding dental health. The patients had a variety of dental complaints, and they all were in need of teeth cleaning. My role as a dental hygiene student was to provide adequate teeth cleaning, to remove calculus, and provide instructions on gaining and maintaining a healthy oral cavity.
My preparation for this experience was all of my clinical hours at MCV, and time studying dental health. I had limited time to spend with each client, approximately 20 minutes. I had to provide my best care in a very limited amount of time. Initially, I found this to be very challenging, with my first 2 patients; however, as the day progressed it became easier and I became more comfortable. I am satisfied with the care that I provided, and I can't think of anything that I would change. This day encompassed all that I have been studying in school from my instrument techniques, to patient education.
The worst experience of the day was caring for an elderly lady that had severe pruxisim, and erosion. She was experiencing hypersensitivity, to treat this I provided her with topical anesthesia. I provided her information on purchasing a “mouth guard” to wear nightly to prevent her from grinding her teeth. I taught her to avoid acidic beverages and foods, to decrease erosion.
This was a phenomenal learning experience for me. I consider this to be the most rewarding event of my dental hygiene education so far. I felt incredibly rewarded, by donating my time and service to people in need. Providing education, to people in desperate need of it, made me believe that it is possible for one person to make a change in the lives of many. I had no idea that I would feel this satisfied in my ability to help others. I know that I have grown a lot professionally, due to this experience. My role as a future Dental Hygienist is far bigger than simply cleaning teeth. My role as an educator is substantial to the people I care for. I look forward to more experiences like the MOM project. I recommend this experience to every classmate.
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